Newport pleads guilty

Rex Newport (right) listens to the charges against him in Superior Court Monday morning with his attorney, Liam Golden.

Colville police officer Rex Newport pleaded guilty to five charges in Stevens County Superior Court Tuesday morning,after denying the accusations that were levied against him last fall. The charges include residential burglary, unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation, custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree, making false and misleading statements to a public servant, and official misconduct.
Newport, a 15-year veteran of the CPD, came to the attention of authorities when a Colville woman claimed he had sexually assaulted her in her apartment in March of 2013. A string of accusations involving Newport using his position as a police officer to solicit sex while on duty followed, dating back to 2011.
Each charge carries a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a $50,000 penalty.
Attorney Liam Golden is serving as Newport's defense, with Melanie Tratnik of the Washington State Attorney General's office leading prosecution. Judge Pat Monasmith is presiding over the case.
Newport has been released on bond with the condition that he does not travel outside of Washington State, possess firearms, or contact his victims.
A sentencing date has been set for April 1.
Colville Mayor Deborah Rarrick said Tuesday evening that Newport has been terminated from his position with the Colville Police Department, and is no longer an employee of the city.